BMW M5 now gets sportier with the Competition Package

A sportier BMW M5 with 616.8bhp on tap

BMW has unveiled the M5 sedan with the Competition Package to make it a shade sportier than the regular M5 sedan. The Competition Package makes the M5 sit lower while giving the car a bump in power which is reflected in the new exhaust note.

Under the bonnet is the same 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol motor but it puts out a staggering 616.8bhp over the standard M5’s 591.4bhp while the torque remains the same at 750 Nm. The M5 Competition Package retains the 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels and comes with three drive modes. The rear drive only set-up does allow enthusiasts to occasionally push the car to perform some tail wagging activities. 100kmph comes in 3.3 seconds and the 200kmph is dispatched in just 10.8 seconds. The twin pipe flap controlled M Sport exhaust comes with tailpipe embellishers in black chrome.

Improved dynamics

BMW has increased the camber of the front axle for better handling when tackling high-speed corners and the front axle comes with a new mounting for the anti-roll bar. Rubber mounts are ditched for ball joints at the rear axle. The ride is now firmer as the springs on all four ends are ten per cent stiffer compared to the regular M5. The kidney grille, side gills, rear apron inserts and side mirrors come in high gloss back, while the door handles come in body colour.  The M5 Competition package comes with 20 inch Y-spoked alloys with dual colour finish and ‘M5 Competition’ lettering on the tailgate, distinguishing it from the regular M5. The “M Competition” graphics also appears in the instrument cluster when the car is fired and the front seats get M5 stickering in the headrests.

The recently launched Mercedes-AMG E 63 S makes 603bhp and 850Nm of peak twist with its 4-litre V8 bi-turbo engine. The BMW might make more power but the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S boasts of 100Nm more twist to counter the M5. BMW has not revealed the launch date of the sedan. Watch this space for more details.

Check out our drive review of the BMW M5 here.